Family mourns Beaverton murder victim

Police believe an ongoing conflict sparked a murder in Beaverton Sunday (Aug. 19) but are releasing few details.
According to the Durham Regional Police, an altercation broke out at a home on Concession 5 Thorah shortly after noon that left 43-year-old Charlie Bath of Osborne Street dead.
Richard Shearer, 32, was arrested a short time later at his home on Church Street, little more than a kilometre away from the crime scene. He’s been charged with second degree murder and will remain in police custody until a court appearance next Wednesday (Aug. 29).
Officers remained at both of the houses well into the afternoon Monday. The Durham Regional Police’s mobile command unit was parked along Osborne Street (Regional Road 23) across the road from the house where Mr. Bath was murdered, while Mr. Shearer’s home was cordoned off with police tape, a lone cruiser parked out front.
According to police, the two men knew each other but would not release any information about what may have led to the altercation.
“The case is subject to a publication ban, so I can’t get into any further details,” said police spokesperson David Selby in an interview.
Charlie Bath’s large, tight-knit family is still trying to come to terms with the tragic news.
“I was shocked. I really couldn’t believe it. And then anger set in,” said Kelly Wilson, one of Mr. Bath’s 11 siblings, recalling the moment she learned of his death.
“I’ve shed so many tears in the past few days. My life has been turned upside down. I keep thinking this is a nightmare -- I’m waiting for someone to wake me up.”
Detectives with Durham’s homicide unit have shared few details of the case with the family, Ms Wilson said, and she’s been left with several unanswered questions about her brother’s final moments.
“I understand that they’re building a court case and most of it will come out at some point down the road, but it’s tough,” she said.
“This is only the beginning. We’ll be living with this for the rest of our lives.”
As they mourn, his family members are remembering Charlie Bath for his kind heart and social nature. He was quick to make friends and was never shy about telling them how much they meant to him.
“He had a big heart and he wore it on his sleeve,” she said.
“He loved being around people and always wanted everyone else to be happy. I could go on and on. I’ve never met anyone like him and I’ll never forget him.”
“Charlie was a very caring person,” added Colin Bath, Charlie’s brother.
“He’d give you the shirt off his back if it would help.”
His family was extremely important to him, both agreed, with Ms Wilson noting that he was soon to be reunited with two children from a previous relationship.
“He was supposed to see them in the very near future; It’s so devastating,” she said.
Raised in northern Pickering, Charlie Bath had lived in the Beaverton area off and on for the better part of the last decade, working a string of odd jobs.
With many friends in the village, he decided to settle here and recently proposed to Cindy Guest, a Beaverton resident whom many sources have confirmed recently broke off a long-term relationship with Mr. Shearer.
“He was doing really well for himself,” said Colin Bath.
“Charlie had never been happier. They were planning on moving away from Beaverton and starting a new life together,” Ms Wilson added,
“It’s completely senseless. That’s the only word that keeps coming into my head -- senseless. I really can’t wrap my head around it.”
While the investigation is ongoing, no other suspects are being sought.
Anyone with information about the case is being asked to call Detective Sergeant Allan at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5400 or Detective Sheridan at ext. 5405. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Scott Howard is editor of the Brock Citizen. He can be reached via email at showard@mykawartha.com